THE Alternative School has celebrated eight years since it was founded with a new sign and Independent School Association status.

Staff from “TAS” and Pendle’s MP Andrew Stephenson have cut the ribbon on the new sign at the school’s Barnoldswick site.

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The new sign comes after the Fernlea Avenue school was told it has been formally recognised as an independent school and an accredited member of the ISA.

The school, which was rated as “good” by Ofsted when it was last inspected in 2014, was opened by founder Kirsty-Anne Pugh in 2007.

It is approved for up to 45 pupils across both sites in Pendle and Accrington and works with children between 11 and 16-years-old who need additional support and small class sizes.

Mr Stephenson said: “I think that The Alternative School is an excellent alternative provider of education and I have been delighted over the last few years to see it go from strength to strength.

“I think we need a whole rang of providers for local children and for parents and I think that the school does an excellent job in fulfilling a much needed provision in the borough.

“I’m really pleased that they continue to expand, to take on more children and to open new sites.

“More schools like this should be opened in the borough but also in East Lancashire as they provide a great choice for parents.

“It’s not a one size fits all policy to education and The Alternative School gives children and parents a real choice just like academies do.

“The staff at the school do a fantastic job and they should be applauded.”

The Alternative School joins others in East Lancashire with ISA membership including Oakhill in Whalley and Heathland Private School in Accrington.